bonnie plants inc. texas farm path to the plate –...

Extension programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. Individuals with disabilities who require auxiliary aide service or accommodation in order to participate in the any of these events are encouraged to contact our office (903) 756-5391 within 10 working days prior to the program. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas cooperating.

This event is in collaboration with the County Extension Program, and facilitated by the Heroes 4-Health Junior Master Gardener (JMG) Task Force. We are currently seeking sponsorship from (Bonnie Plants Inc., Texas Farm Bureau and Lowe's Store), but schools may also seek their own sponsors. The goal is to engage a wider audience in the 4-H Healthy Living Programs. This contest is part of the Heroes 4-Health – JMG program, sponsored by the Walmart Foundation. It supports the joint initiative of the “Path to the Plate – Dinner Tonight” program, in connecting Agriculture to Health. See link: http://pathtotheplate.tamu.edu/. Schools as well as 4-H clubs are eligible to participate, the "Path to Plate Media Contest."

Growing a garden can help to achieve the STEM or STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, or Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture and Mathematics) academic standards. Gardening can be therapeutic, fun and enlightening, thus having a great impact on youth and community development. As a service learning project, students can raise food for their family, and those in need, also spend time enjoying the outdoors, become physically active, demonstrate a healthy lifestyle, and learn the path food take to their plate! The pho

Garden Types - 1 and 2:

1. Raised Beds – these may be of various shapes but averaging the sizes indicated below (Example:

Keyhole, Square foot, Grow Box, 3 Tier Elevated Planter etc.)

2. Containerize Gardens – these may be commercial containers or created specifically for the contest

(creativity will be considered in the competition).

Categories:

1. SINGLE CLASS/PARTICIPANT/GROUP GARDEN (Garden used by one class/ group – for schools/ orindividual – only for Community 4-H Club, or the 3rd Grade Cabbage Program).

2. MULTIPLE CLASS GARDEN (Garden used by more than one class/ group or grade, but not by the entireschool/ club).

3. ENTIRE SCHOOL GARDEN (Garden that is used by all grade levels at the School).

Rules:

1. For schools - each single entry (4th – 12th grade), will be made up of a team of a minimum of four andmaximum of a class size, (3rd grade Cabbage Program - only one participant, and for Community 4-HClub(s) - one to six participants).Garden plot must be 32 Sq. (4X8), or a standard size Keyhole garden (28.3 Sq. Ft). Each Team must havetheir own garden space within the school premises, (while 4-Hers, and 3rd grade Cabbage Program will

http://pathtotheplate.tamu.edu/


have optional location). 2. Schools without the required raised bed garden structures may enter a Garden Type - 2: (i.e. the

containerized gardening), but will be judged separately. This is the garden type that an individual 4-Hclub member or participant(s) of one to six members may also enter.

3. Planting must begin on a selected date between February and March, or after the last frost day.4. Each garden (or each entry) will contain five (5) vegetable and, or fruit crop, i.e. (three (3) required

crops - Cabbage or Chinese cabbage (Bok Choy), Beet or Carrot, Strawberry or Tomato, and two (2) team's(or contestant’s) choice (example Radish, Broccoli, Basil, Collard/ Kale, Mint, a Bulb or a unique leafy

vegetable). Consider the growing season and attempt to start crops from transplants, teams (orcontestants) however, have a choice of starting from seeds. If seed is the choice, your sponsor mayprovide this or the Extension Office could assist in providing these seeds or you may sign out seedsfrom the Atlanta Public Library Seed Exchange project. Seedlings (transplants) must be purchase froma reputable local store or nursery.

5. Participants are encouraged to show evidence of successive cropping and demonstrateIntegrated Pest Management (IMP) with care and conservation of the environment.

6. Most work must be done by the YOUTH/ YOUTH TEAM. An adult can help with garden bedpreparation, but weeding, watering, and daily tending is the youth’s/ youth team's job.All vegetables or fruits (or crops) must be labeled in the garden. Gardens can be decorated using variousmethods, for example yard art and flowers. Decorating your garden is not a requirement but extrapoints will be awarded for creativity and environmental preservation.

7. A Garden Journal or a project log will be presented by each team (or contestant). Garden Journals orproject log are meant to keep track of garden activity and will be turned in to be judged. Journals orproject log must have action pictures of the team (or participants) working on their garden projectthroughout the competition.

8. Each team (or contestant) is required to answer questions asked by the judges during their gardenvisits. The questions or presentation should be based on: the health (nutritional) benefits andenvironmental benefits of their crops or harvest; the crop growth, seed to harvest process,personal experiences, as well as problems and solutions encountered.

9. Each team should identify a charity of their choice, to donate their food harvest or choose to usetheir food harvest at a culminating event called “Garden to the Table Festival / Sping FestivalOutreach Event.”

10. Each participant will be encouraged to complete a common measures evaluation before or by theend of the garden competition.


Judging Each team/ group or participant will be judged on educational relevance, level of involvement, garden creativity, journal-packet quality and student presentations. Important Dates

Planting Period - February 15th thru March 15th (Mentor visiting time). Judging – May 14 - 17, 2019 (Mentor visiting appointment – 1 week before).

Awards – TBD May, 2019 (Agent/ Mentors/ and Volunteer Leaders and Teachers are invited).

Each school will be assigned a Master Gardener Mentor, while participating 4-H club(s) may work with their project leader/ volunteer. This person will be in touch with the team leader (or contact) to see how the team/ contestant(s) is doing, answer any questions, give advice, and even visit the school's garden (or project site) to help each team/ contestant do their best.

If you have any questions please feel free to call or email the Cass County extension office. The contact agent is John Ferguson: 903-756-5391, [email protected]

Service Learning - End of Program Presentation

Strawberry Jam Project All the photos represnt past activities in this program:

mailto:[email protected]

Extension programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. Individuals with disabilities who require auxiliary aide service or accommodation in order to participate in the any of these events are encouraged to contact our office within 10 working days prior to the program. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas cooperating.

GUIDELINES FOR MENTORS

4-H Garden to Table Contest

These guidelines are established to create an expectation of job performance on behalf of mentors of

the 4-H Garden to Table Contest, in a collaborative effort of support to the AgriLife Extension Office and

the Cooperative Extension Program (CEP). Mentors should be committed to the program and faithfully

fulfill their commitments in conjunction with oversight by a designated C(EA) from the AgriLife Extension

Office. Mentors will be mindful of the age bracket of the children and act accordingly when around the

children and ISD officials. The main focus is for the mentor to be on call, to communicate, to inspect

with the “In School designee” here in after referred to as the “contact teacher” for the most part.

Contact with the competitors will occur from time to time therefore, mentors will agree to a criminal

background check to protect all interests.

• Attire: Appropriate attire should be worn at all times. In the early stages, mentorsshould wear identifying T-shirts with logos such as the Master Gardener, Junior MasterGardener, 4-H or official AgriLife or CEP logo and name tags until ISD officials haveestablished an identity and rapport with the mentor - keeping in mind that firstimpressions send a strong message. Also the logo is promoting the Master Gardenerand the AgriLife and CEP programs. Mentor must have official photo I.D. to present tothe school.

• Communication: Mentors should be savvy with email, phone, text, etc. in an effort tobe available for any questions. It is expected that mentors will be available at theirconvenience - Monday through Friday. In addition, the IT connection should be as suchthat if mentor is not readily available for inspection that photos can be sent to mentorby teacher/competitor in an effort to isolate growing problems or monitor progress ofplant growth.

• Guidance: Mentors will only guide competitors. It is agreed and understood bymentors and competitors, that competitors must perform the physical labor tocomplete all tasks as well as funding the said project with their own funds (or through


sponsors). Mentors are to assist and educate on location of vegetable bed, along with construction, planting media and care.

• Inspection: The time of inspection will be scheduled between mentor and contactteacher as needed, and biweekly at a minimum. Inspection can be with the contactteacher or by the mentor alone with communication to the teacher. If competitors(students) are present, the contact teacher or a school official should be present. C(EA)can send instructions to mentors for special inspection i.e. in case of heavy storms forimmediate damage assessment.

• Problem Solving: In as much as no plantings are without challenges, it is understoodthat the Master Gardeners are not experts in entomology or pathology, however, candetect problems. Mentor is first line of defense for problem solving by using resourcesavailable to them as Master Gardeners.

• Logs: Mentors will post their hours in VMS weekly under “Special Projects” or in anyother format determined by the C(EA).

NB: Judging will be done at least once or twice by a selected team of judges.

4-H GARDEN TO THE TABLE PRE-ENTRY SPONSORSHIP FORM

TEAM/ PARTICIPANT NAME:_______________________

TEAM/ MEMBERS:____________________________________

_____________________________________________________

SPONSOR NAME:______________________________________

EMAIL:_______________________________________________

SCHOOL NAME:_____________________________________________

ADDRESS:____________________________________________CITY:________________________________________________

ZIP:____________PHONE:______________________________

___________________________

SPONSOR SIGNATURE DATE

Pre-Entry Form Deadline: February 15, 2019

___________________________


4-H Garden Contest Judging Sheet

Garden name: ____________________________ Gardeners’ ages/ grade:______________ Phone #: ___________________________________ e-mail address: _________________ Judge’s name: _______________________________ Judging date: ___________________

Evaluation Criteria:

GARDEN SITE Poor (1) Fair (2) Good

(3) Excellent (4)

Sufficient sun exposure for crop

Water source nearby and handy

Protection from wildlife or human and pet traffic

Protection from wind Total:

SOIL MANAGEMENT Poor (1) Fair (2) Good

(3) Excellent (4)

Good soil tilth Well drained; no low spots with standing water or salt crust Sustainable soil fertility practices evident in garden and/or garden journal (cover crops, mulching, regular additions of organic matter, minimal tilling) Composted organic matter addition Use of mulch Minimal tilling

Total:


GARDEN DESIGN Poor (1) Fair (2) Good

(3) Excellent (4)

Tallest crops not shading shorter crops Efficient use of garden space Plant Supports used as needed Successive cropping evident in journal

Total: VIGOROUS PLANTS

Poor (1) Fair (2) Good (3)

Excellent (4)

Green leaves, absence of yellowing or dead plants Plant size is right for plant age and cultivar

Total: INTERGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT


Excellent (4)

Scouting records at least 2 times per week, including observation notes in journal Pest management techniques evident or noted in journal Beneficial insects evident or noted in journal

Total: PRODUCTIVITY


Excellent (4)

Crop harvest recorded (date, quantity, quality notes) Plant supports used for increased productivity (trellis, tomato cages, vertical garden, etc.) Appropriate cultivars selected for space limitations Successive cropping practiced Sustainable gardening practices used and documented (cover crops, no-till, mulch, etc.)

Total:


_______________________ Initials

GARDEN JOURNAL


Excellent (4)

Readable, dates entries in chronological order, Photos Soil preparation notes Garden plan drawn, including plant spacing after transplant or thinning Task management plan Records of plants in garden, including cultivar or variety name and method of establishment (seed or transplant) Records of pest scouting, if any found, control methods Harvest records including approximate quantities, quality, pounds of produce, other notes Ease of reading, will be useful for future reference

Total:

Total:

Notes:

Cass County Extension Office 604 TX Hwy 8 P.O. Box 471 Linden, TX 75563

To Whom It May Concern:

The Cass county 4-H and Youth Development Program will kick off its School and 4-H Club Garden Competition between Feb. 15th and March 15th, 2019 (spring growing season). This competition is part of an initiative to increase our collaboration between school and community. It is part of the Heroes 4-Health - Junior Master Gardener (JMG) program, which also supports the joint initiative of the “Path to the Plate – Dinner Tonight” program, in connecting Agriculture to Health. See link: http://pathtotheplate.tamu.edu/. Studies have shown that youth in 4-H are twice as likely to participate in Science, Engineering, and Computer Technology programs during out-of-school time (10th- 12th Grades) (Lerner, and et al, 2013). We therefore, continue our efforts to reach these youth through curriculum enrichment programs, as well as community based 4-H Club programs. Doing so, certainly helps to address the various youth issues, leading to better life skills, leadership, and citizenship development.

One major problem which prevents greater participation, is the lack of funds or tangible incentives which could motivate families, the schools and the community. We are therefore, asking local businesses, civic groups, faith based organizations, and community patrons such as you, to assist with sponsorship of this program, or assume direct responsibility for a school or a 4-H Club. Each competing school or club will have varying needs for seeds/ plants, raised beds, planters (pots), irrigation equipment and tools. We will also need end of program prizes for awards and recognition.

Donation or sponsorship may be paid out or given directly to the participating school or 4-H Club. Checks may be paid out to the CEP 4-H Youth Advisory Board – Tax ID# 90-1031973

If you have any question about this program, please contact the Cass County Extension Office at: (903) 756-5391 or [email protected]

Thank you for your sponsorship and support in helping to grow the Cass County 4-H Youth Development Program.

Sincerely,

_______________________________

Name of school or 4-H Club contact


http://pathtotheplate.tamu.edu/

mailto:[email protected]

See Master Gardener mentor for any questions

4-H GARDEN TO THE TABLE CONTEST

What to use Soils (View back for soil recipe)

• Natural Compost • Vermiculite • Peat Moss • Natural Top Soil • Sand

Pesticides

• Neem oil • Dish Soap (without

degreaser) • Garlic Spray • Pepper Mixture • BT • DE- food grade

Fertilizers

• Natural compost • Sulfur • Tea/Coffee Grounds • Molasses • Micro Organism additives • Fish emulsion • Compost Teas • Bone/Blood meal • Magnesium Sulphate

(Epsom salts) • Worm Castings

Herbicides (view back for recipe)

• Vinegar Solution 20%

What not to use Soils

• No chemicals • No soils with synthetic

materials

Pesticides

• No chemicals • Acephate • Triforine • Fenbutatin-oxide

Fertilizers

• No synthetics • Manure • Osmocote

Herbicides

• No chemicals • Glyphosate • Imazapyr • Parquat • Atrazine

See Master Gardener mentor for any questions

4-H GARDEN TO THE TABLE CONTEST

Soil mix recipes

• Basic Soil Mix1. Add one gallon of moist, coarse

sphagnum peat moss, followedby one gallon of coarse sand,perlite, or vermiculite.

2. Adjust the texture of themedium to create a loose, well-drained mixture. Sand feelsgritty and clay feels sticky.

3. If the potting soil feels toosandy, more peat moss shouldbe added.

Pesticide recipes

• Garlic Spray1. Crush four or five garlic

cloves in a food processor,blender or with a mortar andpestle.

2. Add to this, one quart ofwater and four or five dropsof dishwashing soap,preferably a natural,biodegradable soap withoutdegreaser.

3. Strain the mixture throughsome cheesecloth two timesto remove any bits of garlicthat may clog the spraybottle.

4. Store the concentrated garlicin a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.

5. To make the garlic spray, justdilute your concentrate with2 ½ cups of water, pour into

a spray bottle or pressure sprayer.

6. Apply to infested area.

Fertilizers

• Organic mix 1/1/11. Add one-part coffee ground

to blender. Add one-partbanana peel to blender. Addone-part egg shells toblender.

2. Add water to blender tillliquefied

3. Apply to soil.

Herbicide recipes

• Vinegar recipe1. Pour 1 gallon of white

vinegar into a bucket.2. Add 1 cup of table salt.3. Stir in 1 tablespoon of liquid

dishwashing soap.4. Funnel the weed killer into a

plastic spray bottle.5. Spray areas that need to be

cleared during the hottesttimes of the day

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